Democratic Backsliding after EU Accession: Lessons on the Exportability of the EU Model

Abstract

Despite the European Union’s role in promoting democratic reforms during the accession process, the case of the Visegrád countries (Poland, Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia) demonstrates that EU membership does not guarantee democratic stability. In several countries, the reduction of external oversight post-accession has facilitated democratic backsliding and the consolidation of power by populist parties that challenge the EU’s liberal values. In particular, the growing support for Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party, along with their increasing alignment with authoritarian regimes such as Vladimir Putin’s Russia, underscores the risks of state capture and deviation from a pro-European trajectory. This phenomenon raises concerns for Albania, which views European integration as a safeguard for democratic stability. This study examines the impact of EU accession on democratic stability in post-communist states, using the Visegrád experience as a comparative case to assess Albania’s future trajectory. Employing a qualitative methodology based on secondary sources, the analysis focuses on post-accession democratic challenges and the effectiveness of EU mechanisms in safeguarding democracy against authoritarian and populist tendencies. The study argues that Albania must go beyond the formal fulfillment of EU conditions by building strong institutions and sustainable reforms capable of withstanding internal pressures and geopolitical influences. Drawing lessons from the Visegrád countries, this paper offers policy recommendations to ensure long-term democratic resilience. Ultimately, it contributes to the broader debate on the limitations of the EU model and the challenges of exporting democratic stability to states with similar transitional experiences.

Received: 20 April 2025 / Accepted: 9 June 2025 / Published: 25 June 2025